Working from Home

We've settled in to our temporary home on the peninsula. It's weird to be home, under the roof I remember most through my childhood. Mom setup a makeshift desk for me in the office. It works for what I need. The working at home experience has been interesting. At work, I'd wander from my desk to do something and would end up conversing with someone for often many minutes. At home, I'm constantly worried about being away for my desk for more than 5 minutes, at which point my IM indicator changes from green (available) to yellow (inactive). I've put some unnecessary pressure on myself to make sure that I demonstrat the amount of work that I accomplish. Fact is, my boss did put his neck out to allow me to continue to work for him.

I like the the flexibility to occasionally work from home, but the 24/7 experience leaves something to be desired. My coworkers are four legged friends who like to bark at everything that passes the house. They're not exactly conference call friendly. All that said, I thank my leader for this opportunity. Having a job during my move is 10 times better than not having one.

Hello California!

12 hours of packing, 47 hours in the car, 3 overnight stops and we arrived in California safely. No real hiccups on the road except a NE State Patrol who decided that I needed a fix ticket (no cost) because I didn't have a front license plate. I think he was bored, but it's already been fixed. :)

While on our road trip across the country, we celebrated my fiance's 30th birthday in Vegas - upgraded to an absolutely insane penthouse suite. Not shabby. I managed to surprise him by having 5 family members show up in Vegas, all of whom were given a weeks notice. I was quite proud of myself and even more excited that our families have the flexibility to make that work.

Now, we're back in CA! It's a bit surreal. So far it feels like an extended stay. I'm working from home and haven't quite gotten into the routine yet. Last night, I had an 8:15p soccer game. It felt so good to be on the pitch. However, I hurt so much today! This means that more gym time is needed ASAP.

On a temporary basis, we're staying at my mom's house and it's quite full. There are 5 of us here right now, plus the friends and family that come for a night or two. It makes dinner fun at least. That said, we're also getting use to a very different buying pattern and meal pattern. I'll admit, my fiance and I are very regimented in a lot that we do. While it may sound boring, it allows me to skip a couple gym days and not feel entirely lazy. I avoid certain foods by simply not purchasing them. It's not that I don't have a sweet tooth (because I definitely do!), I just try to control my intake of goodies. I'm not running 3-10 miles daily like I did growing up (yeah, cross country). This house on the other hand, has always been known for the junk food. It amazes me that nothing has changed.

Working from home seemingly gives me more time and yet, I feel like I accomplish less. Perhaps it's because when I log off, it's easy to get sucked into putting things away or wandering around the house. Or maybe it's because mundane work has me lethargic when I sign off. I'm sure it'll get better.

On that note, I'm going to find my iPod, my heart rate monitor and try a new gym.